Founded: 1999
Subscribers: 13,000,000
Subscribers: 13,000,000
Founded in 1999 and now with over 13 million subscribers, Cricket Wireless is a prepaid brand owned by AT&T, delivering nationwide 5G coverage over AT&T’s towers. Cricket is well-known for its transparent pricing, with all taxes and fees included in the price so you never have to worry about hidden charges.
Cricket Wireless: At a Glance
Pros
- Wide variety of phones available
- Free phones offered
- Good discounts available for those with multiple lines
- What you see is what you pay. All taxes & fees included
Cons
- Free phones only for new customers that port-in
- No plans geared towards low data usage customers
- Best single line unlimited data plan pricing requires you to be a new customer
Cricket Wireless Phone Plans Explained
Cricket Wireless offers a range of prepaid phone plans with unlimited talk and text, differing mainly by how much high-speed data you get each month, as well as included features like hotspot, international use, and perks. Here’s what you can expect from each plan to help you find the best one for your needs:
Cricket offers these plans:
- Cricket Starter (5GB)
- $30/month single line, unlimited talk & text, 5GB high-speed data.
- Best for light users. No hotspot or international roaming.
- SD streaming. Add Apple Watch for $10/mo.
- Cricket Basic (10GB)
- $35/month single line, 10GB high-speed data, unlimited talk & text.
- Some international perks (Mexico & Canada), SD streaming.
- Multi-line discounts available.
- No hotspot included, but add Apple Watch for $10/mo.
- Simply Unlimited
- $40/month for unlimited data, single-line only, must port-in.
- No hotspot, no family plan, no add-ons.
- SD streaming, deprioritized data during congestion.
- Cricket Core Walmart
- $25/month (Walmart exclusive), unlimited high-speed data.
- Single line only, bring your own phone, limited-time offer.
- No hotspot included, but you can add 10GB for $10/mo.
- North America roaming, SD streaming, all-in pricing.
- Cricket Core (Standard)
- $50/month, unlimited data, multi-line discounts available.
- Mexico & Canada roaming, unlimited international texting, SD streaming.
- Add 10GB hotspot for $10/mo.
- WiFi calling and texting (limited compatibility).
- $5 discount with autopay.
- Cricket More
- $55/month, unlimited data with premium speeds, includes 15GB hotspot.
- Top-tier plan with priority data, Mexico/Canada roaming, unlimited international texting.
- Perks: 150GB cloud storage, HBO Max included.
- Hotspot
- Cricket Core Annual Plan
- Prepay $300 for 12 months (works out to $25/month).
- Unlimited data, Mexico & Canada roaming, unlimited international texting.
- Only available to new customers, single-line only.
- SD streaming, no hotspot.
- 3-Month Unlimited Plan
- Intro offer: $45 for your first 3 months of unlimited data.
- New single-line accounts, BYOD required.
- Video in SD, hotspot not included, international texting, Mexico/Canada roaming.
All plans include:
- 5G access (where available)
- Unlimited talk & text
- Visual voicemail, spam/fraud protection
- No contracts, prepaid only
- All taxes & fees included
Key Things to Know About Cricket Wireless Plans
- Data Options: Plans range from limited-data options (like 5GB and 10GB), to several types of unlimited data plans, each with different features.
- Multi-Line Savings: Major discounts are available when you add more lines, especially on unlimited plans.
- Hotspot Access: Not all plans include mobile hotspot, only the top-tier “Cricket More” plan includes hotspot data by default, while some unlimited plans let you add it for an extra fee.
- International Features: Many Cricket plans include free usage in Mexico and Canada and unlimited international texting from the U.S., but not every plan offers the same level of international access.
- Streaming: Video streaming on all plans is capped at standard definition (about 480p).
- Extras: Higher-end plans come with added perks like HBO Max or cloud storage.
- Autopay Discounts: Several plans are $5/month less with autopay enabled.
- Device Compatibility: Most features work on both iPhone and Android, but some (like WiFi calling and texting) may be limited to phones sold by Cricket or iPhones.
How to Choose the Best Cricket Wireless Plan
Picking the right Cricket Wireless plan depends on how much data you need, whether you want perks like hotspot or international roaming, and if you’re shopping for just yourself or a family. Here’s a quick guide to help:
- Light Data Users: The Starter (5GB) and Basic (10GB) plans are ideal if you’re mostly on WiFi, don’t stream a lot, and just need basics for web, maps, and messaging.
- Unlimited Data Users: If you need unlimited high-speed data, choose between Simply Unlimited, Cricket Core, Cricket Core Walmart, Cricket Core Annual, or Cricket More. Each has differences in perks, pricing, eligibility, and availability of multi-line discounts.
- Families & Groups: Cricket’s biggest savings come when you add more lines, especially to unlimited plans.
- Want Hotspot? Only Cricket More comes with hotspot data included (15GB), and Cricket Core plans let you add 10GB for $10/mo. Other plans don’t support hotspot at all.
- Traveling or International Needs: Choose a plan with “Canada + Mexico Roaming” if you’ll use your phone in those countries. Cricket More and Cricket Core include this by default.
- Looking for Perks? Cricket More adds free HBO Max and 150GB cloud storage, making it a better fit for heavy streamers or those wanting extras.
Browse the Cricket Wireless phone plans below to see full details and click through for in-depth breakdowns of each plan. Or, compare all carriers here.
Cricket Wireless Phone Plans
TALK
TEXT
DATA
PRICE
Unlimited
Unlimited
UnlimitedGB
$25
Cricket Wireless Cricket Core Walmart Plan
Prepaid Plan
Taxes And Fees
Hotspot
HD Video Streaming
Priority Data
Multi-line Discounts
eSIM
Unlimited 5G Data
Unlimited 2G Data
Unlimited 3G Data
Roam in Canada/Mexico
Roam Internationally
Call International #’s
Text International #’s
Spam/Fraud Protection
Visual Voicemail
WiFi Calling
Networks Used: AT&T
- Exclusive to Walmart: Get 50% off the Cricket Core plan when you bring your own phone and activate a single line.
- Limited-Time Deal: Offer valid at least through October 10, 2025.
- Video Streaming: Streams are capped at standard definition (around 480p).
- Roaming in North America: Use your talk, text, and data while traveling in Mexico and Canada.
- All-In Pricing: Taxes and fees are already included—no extra charges.
- Send unlimited texts internationally at no additional cost.
- Need hotspot data? Add 10GB of mobile hotspot access for $10/month.
- During times of heavy network traffic, data speeds may be reduced temporarily.
- Add an Apple Watch line for $10/month.
- Important: Discount will be lost if you change your plan, add a new line, or upgrade your device (especially through Cricket).
Unlimited
Unlimited
5GB
$30
Cricket Wireless Starter
Prepaid Plan
Taxes And Fees
Hotspot
HD Video Streaming
Priority Data
Multi-line Discounts
eSIM
Unlimited 5G Data
Unlimited 2G Data
Unlimited 3G Data
Roam in Canada/Mexico
Roam Internationally
Call International #’s
Text International #’s
Spam/Fraud Protection
Visual Voicemail
WiFi Calling
Networks Used: AT&T
- WiFi calling and texting is supported but limited to iPhones and devices sold by Cricket Wireless
- eSIM available for iPhones and Androids
- By default, videos stream at 480p, SD, but this can be disabled
- Add an Apple Watch plan for $10/month
Unlimited
Unlimited
10GB
$35
Cricket Wireless Basic
Prepaid Plan
Taxes And Fees
Hotspot
HD Video Streaming
Priority Data
Multi-line Discounts
eSIM
Unlimited 5G Data
Unlimited 2G Data
Unlimited 3G Data
Roam in Canada/Mexico
Roam Internationally
Call International #’s
Text International #’s
Spam/Fraud Protection
Visual Voicemail
WiFi Calling
Networks Used: AT&T
- WiFi calling and texting is supported but limited to iPhones and devices sold by Cricket Wireless
- eSIM available for iPhones and Androids
- Plan costs $5/month per line higher without autopay billing enabled. Without autopay billing this plan is $40/month for single lines
- By default, videos stream at 480p, SD, but this can be disabled
- Add an Apple Watch plan for $10/month
Unlimited
Unlimited
UnlimitedGB
$40
Cricket Wireless Simply Unlimited
Prepaid Plan
Taxes And Fees
Hotspot
HD Video Streaming
Priority Data
Multi-line Discounts
eSIM
Unlimited 5G Data
Unlimited 2G Data
Unlimited 3G Data
Roam in Canada/Mexico
Roam Internationally
Call International #’s
Text International #’s
Spam/Fraud Protection
Visual Voicemail
WiFi Calling
Networks Used: AT&T
- Available to New Customers Only: Must open a new account and port in eligible number(s). Discounts apply to up to five lines when multiple lines are ported in
- Standard Definition Streaming: Video quality is limited to a 480p resolution or 1.5Mbps.
- Hotspot Not Included: Mobile hotspot use is not available with this plan and cannot be added.
- No Feature Add-Ons: This plan does not support additional features such as smartwatch or tablet plans, or international options.
- eSIM Support: Compatible with both iPhone and Android devices that support eSIM.
- Deprioritized Data Speeds: Data speeds may be reduced during periods of high network congestion.
Unlimited
Unlimited
UnlimitedGB
$50
Cricket Wireless Cricket Core
Prepaid Plan
Taxes And Fees
Hotspot
HD Video Streaming
Priority Data
Multi-line Discounts
eSIM
Unlimited 5G Data
Unlimited 2G Data
Unlimited 3G Data
Roam in Canada/Mexico
Roam Internationally
Call International #’s
Text International #’s
Spam/Fraud Protection
Visual Voicemail
WiFi Calling
Networks Used: AT&T
- Video streaming limited to a resolution of about 480p
- Unlimited international texting. Talk, text and data roaming while in Mexico and Canada.
- Price shown is with auto pay billing enabled. Without auto pay price is $55/month.
- 10GB of mobile hotspot available for an additional $10/month.
- WiFi calling and texting is supported but limited to iPhones and devices sold by Cricket Wireless
- eSIM available for iPhones and Androids
- Data speeds may be temporarily slowed anytime the network is heavily congested
- Add an Apple Watch plan for $10/month
Unlimited
Unlimited
UnlimitedGB
$55
Cricket Wireless Cricket More
Prepaid Plan
Taxes And Fees
Hotspot
HD Video Streaming
Priority Data
Multi-line Discounts
eSIM
Unlimited 5G Data
Unlimited 2G Data
Unlimited 3G Data
Roam in Canada/Mexico
Roam Internationally
Call International #’s
Text International #’s
Spam/Fraud Protection
Visual Voicemail
WiFi Calling
Networks Used: AT&T
- Talk, text and data roaming included while in Mexico and Canada.
- Unlimited international texting to 37 countries.
- Includes premium priority data. That means data does not slow down compared to others when the network is busy
- Price is with autopay billing, $60 without.
- WiFi calling and texting is supported but limited to iPhones and devices sold by Cricket Wireless
- eSIM available for iPhones and Androids
- 15GB of mobile hotspot before throttling hotspot to 128Kbps. Compatible device required
- Hotspot IS NOT supported on BYOD Android devices
- Includes 150GB cloud storage
- Includes free subscription to HBO Max
- Automatic fraudulent call blocking
Nuisance call warnings (spam, telemarketer, political, surveys, etc.) - Add an Apple Watch plan for $10/month
Unlimited
Unlimited
UnlimitedGB
$25
Cricket Wireless Cricket Core Annual Plan
Prepaid Plan
Taxes And Fees
Hotspot
HD Video Streaming
Priority Data
Multi-line Discounts
eSIM
Unlimited 5G Data
Unlimited 2G Data
Unlimited 3G Data
Roam in Canada/Mexico
Roam Internationally
Call International #’s
Text International #’s
Spam/Fraud Protection
Visual Voicemail
WiFi Calling
Networks Used: AT&T
- Available to new customers only, on single-line accounts. Cannot be merged to another account
- Requires prepaying $300 for service 12-months in advance to average out to $25/month
- Video streaming limited to a resolution of about 480p
- Unlimited international texting. Talk, text, and data roaming while in Mexico and Canada.
- WiFi calling and texting is supported but limited to iPhones and devices sold by Cricket Wireless
- eSIM available for iPhones
- Data speeds may be temporarily slowed anytime the network is heavily congested
Cricket Wireless Reviews: What to Expect
Cricket Wireless is praised for its simple, predictable pricing, solid nationwide coverage, and strong family plan deals. However, users sometimes note data speeds may slow down at peak times (especially on unlimited plans that aren’t the top-tier). The flagship unlimited plan includes priority data, other unlimited plans do not. Hotspot access can be confusing since only certain plans allow it. Cricket’s supported BYOD options can be a little restrictive given AT&T’s device whitelist policy.
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